Human and trade union rights

Together with its affiliates, its regional organisations, the Global Union Federations, as well as with non-governmental organisations, the ITUC carries out ongoing campaign action for the universal respect of trade union rights, as guaranteed by the Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The ITUC defends trade unionists whenever their fundamental human rights are violated as a result of their trade union activities. It also takes action against other labour rights violations, and other violations of human rights especially where these affect working people.

The ITUC has addressed a strong protest letter to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, following the attacks on trade unionists, the ransacking of the offices of the Zimbabwe Trade Union Congress (ZCTU), the killing of pro-democracy activist Gift Tandare during the peaceful demonstration on 13 March and the vicious beatings of opposition politicians and human rights activists, including Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai, whose skull was fractured by security forces during a sustained assault.

The headquarters of the Zimbabwe Trade Union Congress (ZCTU) were today raided by government security forces, as part of a "concerted effort to try and crush all civic organisations" according to ZCTU President Lovemore Matombo.

multimedia Human and trade union rights

International unions, the ITUC and BWI, have issued a formal complaint to the International Labour Organisation, presenting evidence that Qatar is breaching global freedom of association standards by refusing to recognise the rights of migrant workers. Watch these Nepalese workers talk about what working life in Qatar is really like.